July 2010 eseo of precipitation. Following the commence-ment ceremony the col-lege hosted a...

Another excellent semester at Geneseo…

Alumni Newsletter July 2010

Recent Events 2-3

The department has hosted and sponsored a variety of events, includ-

ing the Model United Nation’s trip to Boston and the annual dinner.

Alumni 3-4

Do you ever wonder where your fellow

Geneseo classmates are and what they are

doing? See what our PoliSci/IR alumni

are up to!

Student Spotlight 4-7

Many of our fine majors are included in this

newsletter. We have some of Geneseo’s best students in our

department!

Upcoming Events 8

Check out some of the fascinating department

events this fall which your generous

contributions are supporting!

This past May we con-gratulated the class of 2010 for their exceptional achieve-ments. While the current economy is especially chal-lenging for those entering the workforce, I am confident that Geneseo’s new alums will ex-cel over the long haul. Unlike commencement for the past two years, this year’s graduation ceremony en-joyed sunny skies and the absence of precipitation. Following the commence-ment ceremony the col-lege hosted a reception in front of the College Un-ion. Pictured to the right are Professor Victoria Farmer and Senia Cuevas ’10.

We bid adieu to 46 Po-litical Science majors and 54 International Relations majors who received their diplomas, wishing them much success and happiness. Although I do not have detailed records, I suspect May 2010 was the largest graduating class in the history of the Department of Political Science & Interna-tional Relations.

Below: PoliSci/IR Professor Victoria Farmer with Senia Cuevas ’10

Geneseo Political Science and International Relations Alumni NewsletterGeneseo Political Science and International Relations Alumni NewsletterGeneseo Political Science and International Relations Alumni Newsletter

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The Geneseo Model U.N. Club ventured to Boston for Harvard Model U.N. exercises from February 10th to 14th. This year, Daniel Spiess ’90 kindly hosted a reception for the six-teen student delegates and Professor Edward Drachman, the faculty advisor for the Model U.N.’s Boston trip. After Dan offered to host a reception for the students, we learned that he lived a mere 4-5 blocks from the hotel where the Model U.N. exercises were held and the stu-dents lodged (the Copley Square area). On the Saturday night of the trip the students and Pro-fessor Drachman walked to the reception at Dan’s condominium. Tim Perla ’01 and his wife Melissa Hulse ’01, both Geneseo graduates, co-incidentally live across the street from Dan, and also attended the reception. As is quite obvious from the accompanying pictures, the students and Professor Drachman enjoyed the reception. We are most grateful to Dan for his gracious-ness and generosity. Dan Spiess graduated from Geneseo in

1990; he fondly remembers taking classes with Professors Deutsch and Goeckel, and occasion-ally running into Dr. Goeckel in the Park Avenue area of Rochester following graduation as both lived in that section of Rochester. After working in Rochester for a few years, Dan enrolled in the Masters Degree program in Planning at SUNY Buffalo. Upon receiving his Planning degree, Dan moved to Colorado to work on a variety of jobs and enjoy skiing in the Telluride area. He then moved to Boston to work as a planner for M.I.T., followed by a position as a Brownfields Coordinator for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Seeing the writing on the wall to return to graduate school, Dan moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan to attain a Ph.D. in Urban Planning from the University of Michi-gan and conducted his dissertation research in Seattle, Washington. Following a move to New York City, Dan has returned to Boston to con-duct research at the Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy at Northeastern University.


July 2010

Model UN

Club’s Trip to Boston,

February 2010

Left: Geneseo Model UN Team enjoying the reception

April 2010 Senior/Honors Dinner

On April 30th the Department held its an-nual Senior/Honors Dinner at the Big Tree Inn. The dinner is one of the faculty’s favorite events, as it provides faculty with a wonderful opportu-nity to honor outstanding student achievement and give recognition to our graduating seniors. Curtis Biederbeck ’11, Nick Kaasik ’11, Will La-

bate ’11, and Robert Rasmussen ’10 shared the Ed Janosik Leadership Prize. Benjamin Krolikowski ’10 and Shanna Reulbach ’10 re-ceived the Legal Studies Award. Ben will begin matriculation at Pace University Law School in September, while Shanna will enroll at William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Shanna Reulbach ’10 also received the Award for Out-standing Senior in Political Science. In addition to an outstanding performance in the

Right: Daniel Spiess ‘90 talking with students at the reception


July 2010

classroom (3.95 GPA), Shanna was President of Geneseo’s chapter of Democracy Matters and worked with her fellow students in Pi Sigma Alpha on production of The Political Realm, the department’s journal that gives recognition to outstanding student papers. (Coincidentally, Shanna published papers in The Political Realm in previous years). Shanna also car-ries a History major, completed a senior honors thesis on the civil rights movement, and undertook study-abroad experiences in Scot-land and Italy. Ellyn Jameson ’10 received the Ambassador Apartments award for the outstanding junior in International Relations, and Mark Simeone ’10 and John Morrissey ’10 were recognized as the Out-standing Seniors in International relations. Justin Goodman ’10 re-ceived the award for outstanding internship. Last summer Justin was an intern at New York Senator Charles Schumer’s Hudson Valley Regional Office, and during fall and spring semesters he interned in Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy's Office. Justin’s duties in the Mayor's Office included preparing briefing papers, developing sched-ules, and formulating talking points at functions where Mayor Duffy appeared. Finally, Max Schulte ’10 received the Rose Bachem Alent Award as the Outstanding Senior double majoring in International Relations and Foreign Languages. Also recognized were students ad-mitted to Sigma Iota Rho, Pi Sigma Alpha, and Phi Beta Kappa.

Right: This year’s induc-tees into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society along with Professor Victoria Farmer

Alumni Notes Andrew Otis ‘85

Andrew Otis ’85 believes the rigorous and challeng-ing classes taught by Dr. Kenneth Deutsch prepared him well for law school. While a student at Geneseo, Andrew also worked closely with Professor Judith Gentlemen, completing a number of courses with her in Comparative Politics and International Relations. Dr. Gentlemen encouraged Andrew to pursue a joint degree at Indiana Uni-versity, a program that combines Public Administration with a Juris Doctorate. Hence, following his graduation from Geneseo in 1985, Politi-cal Science major Andrew Otis ’85 headed to Bloomington, Indiana to attain a joint Juris Doctor and Master’s in Public Administration with a focus on environmental policy. At Indi-ana, he taught Law and Public Policy at the undergraduate level at IU’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He received his J.D. and M.P.A. in 1990, and then moved from Bloomington to Washington, D.C. to work on environmental policy at the Environmental Protec-tion Agency. At EPA, Andrew began by helping to draft regulations im-plementing the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. He then be-came involved in policies that influ-enced global climate change, the use of market mechanisms and eco-nomic analysis methodology. Mr. Otis coordinated contributions from

Continued on Page 4


July 2010

EPA's Policy Office to President Clinton's 1992 Climate Change Action Plan, and served on the Enterprise for the Environment, a multi-stakeholder project chaired by former EPA Ad-ministrator William Ruckelshaus. In 1998 Andrew left Washington and the Environmental Protection Agency to work at the law firm of Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt, and Mosle, an international law firm that concen-trates on cross-border transactions and complex multijurisdictional disputes. Andrew is currently a partner in the Environmental Group at Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt, and Mosle. Andrew repre-sents clients in matters involving environmental

laws, regulations and policies as they relate to transactions, litigation and enforcement actions. He also advises clients active in the international carbon markets, and has been involved with in-ternational arbitrations that include claims of non-compliance with major U.S. and foreign en-vironmental, health and safety laws. He advises clients on compliance with a variety of environ-mental statutes and regulations, including the Clean Air Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Andrew Otis ’85 has been actively in-volved in the department’s Political Science Ad-visory Cabinet.

Study Abroad in Moscow

Right: Geneseo students visiting Russian Parliament, The Duma

Left: Professor Goeckel with the students in front of the Presidential Offices in the Kremlin

This past May and June Professor Robert

Goeckel took students to Moscow, Russia for

a course on Russian Politics and History. This

course is part of Geneseo’s study abroad pro-

gram, and marked the fourth time Professor

Goeckel taught this course in Moscow. In

addition to textbook readings, students re-

ceived lectures from a large number of Rus-

sian scholars on various aspects of Russian

Politics, History, and Culture. The students

received lectures on topics as diverse as “The

Russian Soul and the American Smile (or Why

We Don’t Understand One Another)”;

“Moscow Architecture in the 20th Cen-tury: From the Revolutionary Constructiv-ism to Stalin’s Totalitarian Empire Style;” and “Russian Economic Policy.” Professor Goeckel arranged for students to visit the Russian Presidential Palace, the Russian Duma (the lower House of Russia’s legis-lature), as well as many other Russian historical sites. The students also met with American journalists from ABC News, National Public Radio, and the New York Times responsible for covering contemporary Russian politics and cul-ture.


July 2010

Dave Murphy ’09 graduated from Geneseo last spring with majors in International Relations and Economics. David was accepted into the Peace Corps, assigned to Armenia. Below is a note on his experience. Following his stint in the Peace Corps, David plans to enroll in the Johns Hopkins’ School for Advanced International Studies. It is winter, and I look out the window of my crowded marshutni at the snow capped mountains lining the road from Yerevan to Va-nadzor. I am glad that the minibus service be-tween the two cities is still running, as the coun-try has effectively shut down for the week of Nor Tari - between New Years and Armenian Christ-mas (celebrated on January 6). The trip between the provincial center of Vanadzor (Valley of Mon-

asteries) and the capital city takes more than two hours, in spite of the fact that the distance is only sixty miles. Always seeming decades past their necessary retirement, the soviet mar-shutnis must weave down into valleys and up through mountain passes – crawling as they ascend the steep inclines. These trips give me time to think about my role as a Peace Corps Volunteer in this ancient and beautiful country. I continually ask myself ‘Was Peace Corps the right decision for me?’ and, ‘Am I really making a difference here?’ The Peace Corps lists me as a Commu-nity and Business Development Volunteer. However, this title describes poorly what I actu-ally do in Armenia. My primary assignment is with an NGO in Vanadzor that works on pro-jects related to democracy promotion and chil-dren and women’s issues. But since I came to this NGO in mid-August, we have received little funding. So despite spending many hours a week there, I have been involved with few pro-jects with the NGO. What has been very fulfill-ing is my work with university students. I have become involved in an English discussion club, a TOEFL and GRE test prep club, and a Model U.N. program. I have found it rewarding to work with ambitious students from very mod-

est backgrounds, many of whom face large eco-nomic and cultural barriers. Next semester I will become more engaged in this type of work, as I will teach at a local university. While working with students over the past few months I have come to realize that person-to-person interac-tion, not the success of any large, expensive pro-jects, is what makes Peace Corps a successful and valuable program. As with any program bringing such large dividends however, there are costs, and with Peace Corps it is the difficulty for the volunteer of living in a completely foreign country. Unlike State Department or international business em-ployees, a Peace Corps Volunteer usually lives without any nearby Americans, and experiences

Continued on Page 6

A Letter from Armenia

Left: Dave Murphy ‘09 (left) enjoying his

Peace Corps Experience in Armenia


July 2010

the living conditions of host country residents. While some may think that the living conditions pose the greatest challenge, I find it a minor diffi-culty. Although I lived without running hot water for nearly seven months and consider the indoor heating always inadequate during the cold winter, I find that a person can always adjust to such con-ditions. Similarly, being away from ones’ family and friends for two years may seem daunting to some, and may in fact be impossible for many people. But with technology as it is now, I am able to talk to my family relatively inexpensively at least once a week. And through Facebook I can easily share pictures and update my friends on my life. Language is another difficulty, though its magnitude depends greatly on the volunteer’s ability and situation. With me it has been rela-tively painless, as living with a host family during the 11 week training period helped me develop my Armenian. Moreover, I have met many ad-vanced English speakers who help me when my Armenian is not sufficient for certain activities. The most challenging aspect of living in Armenia is managing the cultural differences. I had traveled quite a bit (at least in my mind) before coming to Armenia. Nevertheless, I wrongly presumed that I would easily adapt to my new culture. As with all volunteers here, I soon learned that Armenian

culture is vastly different from American, or even Russian culture, and that it would be impossible for me to ever become fully assimilated into or accept all of their views and practices. Armenian culture is traditional and socially conservative, including gender roles that would not be accept-able in most western countries. Every day I ap-proach my life aware that I am not here to judge or attempt to change their culture, but simply to help in whatever way I can. With this frame of mind, I have been able to successfully integrate into my community and workplace, and form last-ing relationships with many Armenian nationals. Yes, Peace Corps was the right decision for me. I will never look at life the same way again, and I believe I can make a difference. Though I am not engaged in macroeconomic multi-million dollar projects, on a person-to-person level I am affect-ing many people and exposing them to new infor-mation that is improving both their education and their views of America. Traveling throughout the country, I am continually surprised at how many Armenians tell me that their life has been changed by a past Peace Corps Volunteer. This makes me proud to be here working as a volun-teer, and hope that in the future some Armenians may say the same about me.

On the right are the Sen-ior Honors Theses in Po-litical Science or Interna-tional Relations com-pleted during the 2009/2010 academic year. The students pre-sented their research on April 20th at Geneseo’s G.R.E.A.T. Day. The stu-dents’ research papers are maintained in both the Department of Po-litical Science and Inter-national Relations’ office and Milne Library.

Alexander Berberich, “Post-Conflict State-Building: Rwanda’s Illiberal Democracy,” Faculty Advisor: Jeremy Grace. Curtis Biederbeck, “Electoral Systems in America,” Fac-ulty Advisor: Jeffrey Koch. Laura Clay, “Politics of Land Reform in Brazil (College Honors), Faculty Advisor: Jeremy Grace. Andrew Heyman, “Unemployment and the Federal Government: Effective Policy to Combat Unemploy-ment during Economic Contraction,” Faculty Advisor: Marilyn Klotz. Ellyn Jameson, “Populism, Indigenismo, and Democracy in Latin America,” Faculty Advisor: Victoria Farmer.

Continued on Page 7

Student Papers


July 2010

John Morrissey, “The Democratic Viability of Islamic Opposi-tion in Egypt: A Comparative and Theoretical Perspective,” Faculty Advisor: Victoria Farmer.

Kristina Nikiforova, “Obstacles to Democratic Consolidation in South Korea,” Faculty Advisor: Victoria Farmer. Shaun Tooker, “The President's War Powers,” Faculty Advi-sor: Kenneth Deutsch

Deanna Richards, “The 1936 Berlin Olympics: Mixing Sports and Politics,” Faculty Advisor: Edward Drachman. Max Schulte, “Ecotourism and its Impact on the Developing World,” Faculty Advisor: Edward Drachman. Mark Simeone, “Non-Governmental Organizations in Russia: Autonomous Representatives of Civil Society or Compo-nents of Managed Democracy?” Faculty Advisor: Robert Goeckel

Will Labate ‘11 is an International Relations Major at Geneseo. Below he recaps his experience studying in Montpellier, France last semester. Will plans to at-tend law school after he graduation, then pursue a career in environmental law.

This past January I began a journey that would change how I look at the world and at myself. It seems like ages ago when I arrived in the south of France during an unusually intense snow-storm. I found my host parents waiting for me in front of the train station, standing next to their tiny French auto-mobile. The ride to my new home was awkward. Feeling nervous, I mumbled a few French words into poorly assembled sentences. My host family knew very little English. We barely understood each other. Filled with worry and homesickness, I didn't know if I would enjoy the semester, I thought more about sur-viving than enjoying. Boy was I wrong. After my initial anxiety passed, I was determined to make the most of my stay. I was taken aback by how quickly I made friends from all corners of the world. I soon had friends who were French, German, Irish, Bulgarian, Australian, American, and more. I found myself piec-ing together conversations in English, French and German. I soon realized that we were all in the same boat, wanting to make new friends and enjoy our semester. Together we faced the French university sys-tem. My fellow study-abroad students and I were

able to survive the semester because of the assis-tance of our French student advisors—they provided steady help, always there for us to lean on. Sitting through a three hour lecture in English would be dif-ficult enough, but in French it was a whole new ball-game. What got me through the semester was the development of a language ability I never knew I possessed. Living with a host family greatly enhanced my French linguistic skills and my understanding of French culture. I spent many enjoyable evenings eat-ing my host mother’s delicious French meals and talking about my stay. (I also received lessons on table manners). I will never forget their attentive-ness to my needs, playful humor and, unfortunately, the soupe de Joelle (the only dish I didn't like).

Continued on Page 8

Ma Vie en France

Above: Will Labate ‘11 in front of the Lac du Salagou in Herault, France


July 2010

September 8 Welcome back pizza Party.

September 29 Dr. Hocine Fetni, University of Pennsylvania. “Law and Social Change in the Middle East and North Africa.

October 6 Professor Kathryn Lavelle, Case Western Reserve University. International Law and Organization.

October 13 Professor Sarah Sobieraj ’93, Tufts University. Professor Sobieraj graduated from Geneseo in 1993 with a major in Political Science. October 20 Professor John White, Catholic University. “Barack Obama's America: How New Conceptions of Race, Family, and Religion Ended the Reagan Era.”

October 21-24 Political Affairs Club trip to Washington, D.C.

October 28-31 Model U.N. Club trip to Georgetown University.

November 2010 Student Conference on United States Affairs at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

November 2010 Professor Audrey Kurth Cronin, National War College. “How to End Terrorism.”

Please support the Department of Political Science and International Relations. When you give to Geneseo, specify that your contribution goes to the Political Science or International Relations De-partment General Fund. This newsletter is also distributed through the “The Official Geneseo PLSC/IR Students and Alums Group.”on Facebook. From the department’s web page you can link to this group to join; mem-bership in this Facebook group ensures you will continue to receive the department newsletter.

Fall 2010 Calendar

Outside of the classroom I got to explore the beauty of Europe. Between the beaches of Barcelona and the ruins of Rome I had the op-portunity to explore other corners of the conti-nent. Getting to feel and see history in front of me was amazing. It was fascinating to see how others live and how their societies and govern-ments works. This is really something I couldn't do in the classroom at Geneseo. It was great to

see all of those history and politics courses com-ing together and manifesting themselves in something tangible. This experience has helped prepare me for the real world by exposing me to those things which I will encounter during my career. I recommend studying abroad to any student who wants to learn and grow. The next time my life takes me overseas, I will be ready to meet those challenges.

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